[Satellite TODAY 10-02-12] Hughes Network Systems has activated its new fourth-generation HughesNet high capacity satellite Internet service and has made it available for new subscribers, the company announced Oct. 2. 

      HughesNet Gen4 was designed to deliver speeds of up to 15 Mbps depending on a customer’s plan, as well as greater download capacity. Hughes supports the service through its Jupiter high-throughput network and ground equipment, as well as its new EchoStar 17 satellite.

      “Our new fourth-generation high-speed satellite Internet service is an industry game changer, allowing customers to do more of what they love online, from shopping and social networking to movies and music,” Hughes Senior Vice President of North America Mike Cook said in a statement. “Hughes pioneered the satellite broadband industry, and HughesNet Gen4 continues our long tradition of innovation to bring the many benefits of high-speed Internet access to people everywhere across America – no matter where they live or work.”